‘Sir . . . I must confess, it strikes me as most curious that in all this time you have received not a single reply to your letters, that not one invitation has been made to you by the numerous acquaintance you profess to have in this city. Pray, Mr Savill, what explanation do you offer, for I fear I am unable to make any sense of it?’

The Irishman’s expression remained quite still and steady.

‘Well, my lady, you needn’t make sense of it,’ said he.

I rumpled my brow.

‘I needn’t, sir?’

‘No, my dear Lady Allenham, for I have here in my pocket a letter from a most cherished friend who has invited us to dine with her this very afternoon.’ He then slipped his fingers into his waistcoat and produced a neatly written note which he waved before me.

My eyes followed the folded sheet as he wafted it about. I could scarcely believe it.

‘To . . . dine, sir?’ I stammered.

‘Yes, my Lady Allenham, to dine. Why, the moment this lady learned of your name she expressed a great wish to make your acquaintance.’

I studied his features, uncertain what to make of this. All at once I could feel the colour rising upon my cheeks.

‘The invitation is for three o’clock and I shall attend you shortly before then, my lady.’

I smiled at him. It was a weak and contrite expression. Needless to say, upon spying me so humbled he instantly reached for my hand and, with a slightly triumphant glimmer in his eye, placed a lingering kiss upon it.

Shortly after two o’clock he appeared as promised and I emerged attired in my red and white sprigged silk gown. How the compliments dribbled from his mouth. He was in raptures over my beauty. The high-crowned green hat I wore set off my perfect golden curls; the rubies in my hat pin sparkled with the fire of my eyes. He was heavily perfumed with eau de bergamot. I permitted him to take my arm and lead me to his coach. There was a new hammercloth upon the coachman’s seat, he explained, and new white feathers atop his horses’ heads.

‘The rue de Miromesnil,’ I remember him instructing his footman. He could not recall the precise address, but: ‘The initials G and E may be seen above the gate.’ Then he handed me inside.

I had been so distracted by my angry passion and its unexpected resolution that I had not even thought to enquire after my hostess’s name until our journey was underway. I put my question to him and he seemed to coo with delight.